Heatwave Interactive has posted a new in-house developer Q&A with specific regard to combat in Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising. The questions run the gamut of how combat has changed to whether or not players can effectively engage enemies without minions.
Q: Will we be able to fight successfully without minions?
At lower levels. Your minions will become more important as you level. There will be a variety of challenges scaled on solo with minions and with other players.
Read more here.